LIPW Weekly Pacifist Spotlight: Akiko Yosano (1878-1942)

A famous Japanese author, poet and feminist, Yosano’s work largely criticized Japan’s militarism and worked to promote feminist views.

Oh my young brother, I cry for you Don’t you understand you must not die! You who were born the last of all Command a special store of parents’ love Would parents place a blade in children’s hands Teaching them to murder other men Teaching them to kill and then to die? Have you so learned and grown to twenty-four?
– Akiko Yosano (O My Brother, You Must Not Die)